Concord Personnel Board agrees to draft general statement supporting town employees after online targeting

The Town of Concord Personnel Board on May 13 debated whether to publish a statement backing town employees after a website targeting a Natural Resources Department employee drew public attention.

Staff noted the item had been raised previously by a board member and described the website as a public-facing source that produced “drama” more than new investigative facts. Several board members said they supported a general, concise statement in principle that affirms the town’s appreciation for its public servants without addressing a single individual’s case. “It would mean a lot to the employees if the board did decide to do something,” a committee member said, urging a broadly worded message rather than a reaction to one event.

Other members urged caution and recommended the board avoid amplifying the website’s attention by issuing a lengthy or highly specific response. Chair noted that the board could either defer action, appoint a small drafting group to prepare a statement "on deck,” or delegate drafting to the chair and return the text for full-board review. Staff suggested keeping a short draft ready to use later—perhaps timed to Public Service Recognition Week—if the matter resurfaces.

No formal motion was adopted at the meeting; the board agreed to have a draft prepared for consideration at a future session and discussed procedural options so any work between meetings would avoid exceeding a quorum. The board said any final text would come back to the full board for discussion and a vote.